Q&D review of the modern Autavia. I tried this on a few weeks ago at an AD, and snapped up a solid deal on the secondary market. Real world impressions are much better. The matte dial and white registers appear true to the original, but its otherwise thoroughly updated case size fits current trends. If you think of this as a modern chronograph, Heuer nailed it. It does wear true to size for a 42mm case, but it's not a tall mid-case, and the downward sloping aluminum insert in the bezel means it's really just the domed crystal that gives it a 15+mm height.

I'd been hoping to try the in-house movement (CH80) when they mothballed it two years ago, and it's finally back into production here as the Heuer 02. Great pusher feel as you would expect with a column wheel/vertical clutch, and timekeeping is dead on so far. There is too much rotor noise, but only if you're making an effort to twist it.

Dial and bi-directional bezel align nicely, and the date is centered and very unobtrusive. The case polishing is well done, but I might brush the tops of the lugs, to tone it down a bit. I recognize that's the style of the original Autavia case, but it has cool chamfered lugs that would look great with a little less bling. Overall, it's a fantastic watch, and I'm glad to have a Heuer back in the rotation.

Last edited by TSD on Wed Jul 19, 2017 12:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.

I like it a lot. I think that Jeff Stein was right when he said it's best not to compare it to the original. It's a modern interpretation of the Rindt Autavia, it's not intended to be an exact replica. I think it stands on it's own quite well. A full complement of hash marks on the minute register and I'd have no complaints.

logan2z wrote:I like it a lot. I think that Jeff Stein was right when he said it's best not to compare it to the original. It's a modern interpretation of the Rindt Autavia, it's not intended to be an exact replica. I think it stands on it's own quite well. A full complement of hash marks on the minute register and I'd have no complaints.

I like it a lot. I think that Jeff Stein was right when he said it's best not to compare it to the original. It's a modern interpretation of the Rindt Autavia, it's not intended to be an exact replica. I think it stands on it's own quite well. A full complement of hash marks on the minute register and I'd have no complaints.

Totally agree, Andrew. I was going to say that I think it's a mistake to refer to this as a "reissue." It's a modern Autavia, and a damn good watch. If you get past the design cues that are meant to be faithful to the Rindt but are silly (i.e. the hash marks on the minute register that mirror the original, when 2 1/2 minutes marks are what you get as a result), the overall impression is extremely positive.

I didn't care for the fully polished BOR bracelet (again, I know it's trying to be faithful), but it's going to be nice strap watch, for sure. Great downward curve to the lugs really balance the size/height on my wrist. Hadn't realized the lugs are 21mm, so hoping to find a leather nato that'll work here.

Congrats - a great looking watch. After seeing it more, I think they got a lot right. Agree with the seconds counter hash marks comment. And the leather band is perfect for it - balances out the shine.